Subjects: Diplomacy

Menachem Begin Holds Knesset Spellbound With Analysis of Mapai Policy

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Upon his return from South Africa, Begin addresses the Knesset during a debate on the Foreign Ministry’s budget. Begin states that he will focus on policy and facts. He emphasizes his philosophy as right is might, while the Government’s principle is might is right. He also discusses how the Government helps the Arab nations who seek the destruction of Israel. For example, Moshe Sharett encouraged the U.S. to form closer relations with Israel’s enemies. Also, Israel’s UN representatives voted for the independence of Libya, and soon after Libya’s independence, it joined the Arab League. Additionally, regarding Kibiya, Sharett condemned the military operation, which of course gave reason for the UN to reprimand the event. Begin specifically talks about the Government chasing after peace with Arab nations, and how nothing has been achieved. He closes by encouraging the Government to admit their mistakes and stop missing opportunities to end the bloodshed.

Menachem Begin’s Farewell Message

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Begin addresses a diverse crowd prior to his departure from South Africa. He opens stating that his farewell is three-fold. He first speaks to the Union of South Africa, expressing the warmth he felt while being in South Africa and hopes that he served his people well by forming a genuine alliance between South Africa and Israel. Then he focuses on the Jews of South Africa and how their Jewish community is extremely dedicated to Israel. The last group he bids farewell to is the Revisionist Party of South Africa. He expresses the close friendship he experienced, and that he does not want to leave them. He continues to encourage the members of the Revisionist Party to continue speaking the truth and following Jabotinsky’s teachings. He concludes saying that he feels Jabotinsky’s presence in South Africa and blesses the Revisionist Part of South Africa.

Menachem Begin Broadcasts to South Africa

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Begin broadcasts on the South African Broadcasting Corporation. He first speaks about the link between the Union of South Africa and Israel. He explains that their geographic link is narrowed because of “modern means of communication.” There is also a spiritual link between the two nations; both are dreamers and pioneers. Begin speaks about the goodwill he feels based on seeing the country and meeting the Prime Minister, press, and citizens. He shifts to talk about Israel’s potential to develop in both agricultural and industrial ways. He speaks of other countries considered to be in the Middle East and that in those countries, majority of people are in “misery and disease and malnutrition.” Begin expresses that the condition of these other countries make them a target for communism. Then he strongly states that despite threats from Israel’s enemies, Israel is going to stay on the map. He concludes that the Union of South Africa and Israel will have a solid friendship.

Ben Gurion & Sharet- 2 Men Who Have Failed

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Begin provides examples of actions done by David Ben Gurion and Moshe Sharett that could lead to countries having difficulty trusting and respecting Israel. Begin focuses on Sharett’s address in Eilat where Sharett discusses the breach in relations between Israel and Russia. Sharett criticizes Soviet Russia for its tactical reasons for supporting Israel, and then mentions that Israel lost nothing from the breach. Begin concludes that the specific consequence of Sharett’s statements is that the USA now must show some support to the Arabs. This could lead to Israel receiving pressure to agree to allowing the return of 100,000 Arabs, major reparations, and shifting the borders.

We Shall Remain

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Begin speaks in front of the Knesset when Russian severance of diplomatic relations with Israel was debated. Begin first mentions that it is crucial for Israel to maintain diplomatic relations with all nations, except for Germany. Begin shifts, though, to emphasize that Israel won the War of Independence not by charity from other nations, but by the blood and suffering of Jews. He speaks of the threats Israel receives from other countries. He brings up Mordechai Oren’s trial and mentions that the foundation of the nation of Israel’s existence is the struggle for justice. Begin then argues that the Government and certain Knesset members are destroying national pride and political sovereignty. One specific example is having foreign relations with Germany. He concludes sharing that he does not have confidence in the Government.